Abstract:

The subject invention provides a portable saw table assembly for cutting a
material longitudinally, laterally, and at various angles thereto. The
assembly includes a first and a second table rail being parallel and
spaced from each other and each extending between a proximal end and a
distal end. A saw rail is moveably supported by the first and the second
table rails for moving longitudinally along the table rails between the
proximal and the distal ends and a mounting plate is moveably supported
by the saw rails to allow movement of the mounting plate laterally along
the saw rail between the first table rail and the second table rail. A
saw plate is rotateably supported by the mounting plate for carrying a
saw to cut the material. A guide bar is disposed diagonally relative to
the first and the second table rails and engages the saw plate to guide
the saw plate diagonally in response to simultaneous movement of the saw
rail longitudinally and the mounting plate laterally.

Claims:

1. A portable saw table assembly for cutting a material longitudinally,
laterally, and at various angles thereto, said assembly comprising:a
first table rail and a second table rail being parallel and spaced from
each other and each extending between a proximal end and a distal end;a
saw rail moveably supported by said first and said second table rails for
moving longitudinally along said table rails between said proximal and
said distal ends;a mounting plate moveably supported by said saw rail to
move said mounting plate laterally along said saw rail between said first
table rail and said second table rail;a saw plate rotateably supported by
said mounting plate for carrying a saw to cut the material; anda guide
bar disposed diagonally relative to said first and said second table
rails and engaging said saw plate to guide said saw plate diagonally in
response to simultaneous movement of said saw rail longitudinally and
said mounting plate laterally.

2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a bar locator
supported by one of said first and said second table rails and engaging
said guide bar to position said guide bar diagonally.

3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said bar locator is
moveable within one of said first and said second table rail to position
said guide bar at various angles between a lateral direction and a
longitudinal direction.

4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 further comprising a pair of bar
locators engaging each of said first and said second table rails and
being slideable within said table rails.

5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4 further comprising an angle rail
supported by and extending between said first and said second table rail
for supporting said guide bar at various angles.

6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said pair of bar locators
is further defined as one of said bar locators engaging one of said first
and said second table rails and the other of said bar locators engaging
said angle rail for cutting the material at various angles.

7. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 further comprising a third bar
locator engaging said angle rail such that said guide bar engages one of
said pair of bar locators and said third bar locator.

8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 further comprising posts extending
upwardly from said bar locators for engaging and securing said guide bar
to said bar locator.

9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 further comprising a locking
mechanism engaging each of said bar locators for locking the position of
said bar locators.

10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 further comprising angle
indicators on at least one of said first and said second table rails,
said saw rail, and said angle rail for positioning said bar locators to
achieve a desired angle of cut in the material.

11. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein each of said first and
said second table rails and said angle rail further include a slot for
receiving said bar locators.

12. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a lateral
support extending between said first table rail and said second table
rail forming a table surface for supporting the material to be cut.

13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said first table rail and
said second table rail are further defined as being pivotable relative to
one another such that said table assembly is foldable and portable.

14. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 further comprising a pair of
central rails having proximal and distal ends and extending parallel to
and spaced from said first and said second table rails for engaging said
lateral supports to form said table surface.

15. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 further comprising a hinge
mechanism connecting said lateral supports to said central rails for
allowing said first and said second table rails to pivot about said
central rails.

16. An assembly as set forth in claim 15 further comprising a pair of
wheels engaging said central rails for moving said table assembly when
said first and said second table rails are pivoted about said central
rails.

17. An assembly as set forth in claims 1 wherein said first and said
second table rails are further defined as having a channel for receiving
said saw rail.

18. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein said saw rail is further
defined as a pair of saw rails.

19. An assembly as set forth in claim 18 wherein said pair of saw rails
are slideably received within said channel of said first and said second
table rails.

20. An assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein said pair of saw rails
are removeable from said channel of said first and said second table
rails.

21. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a plate clamp
to clamp said mounting plate and to prevent lateral motion of said
mounting plate while moving said saw rail longitudinally.

22. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a latch
mechanism to secure said saw plate at an angle and to prevent said saw
plate from rotating.

23. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said guide bar further
defines a groove for engaging said saw plate.

24. An assembly as set forth in claim 23 wherein said saw plate further
comprises a connector for engaging said groove of said guide bar to move
said saw plate diagonally.

Description:

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application having Ser. No. 60/384,298, which was filed on May 30, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]1. Field of the Invention

[0003]The subject invention relates to a portable saw table assembly for
cutting a material longitudinally, laterally, and at various angles
thereto.

[0004]2. Description of the Related Art

[0005]Various portable saw table assemblies for cutting a material
longitudinally, laterally, and at various angles thereto are known to
those skilled in the art. The assemblies typically include a first table
rail and a second table rail being parallel and spaced from each other
and each extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A saw rail is
moveably supported by the first and the second table rails for moving
longitudinally along the table rails between the proximal and the distal
ends and a mounting plate is moveably supported by the saw rail to move
the mounting plate between the first table rail and the second table
rail. The assemblies also include a saw plate rotateably supported by the
mounting plate for carrying a saw to cut the material. The saws are
typically attached to long arms that pivot to cut various angles into the
material.

[0006]One such assembly is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,453 to Parham, Jr.
The '453 patent discloses a saw table assembly having a table rail
slideably receiving a first end of a saw carriage. The other end of the
saw carriage is rotateably fixed to the table assembly to allow the saw
carriage to pivot to cut a material at various angles. When the saw
carriage is pivoted, the first end slides within the table rail. Bolts
secure the first end to the table rail to prevent the saw carriage from
shifting while cutting the material. Since the saw rails have to be long
enough to extend along the diagonal, the saw rails may flex when cutting
the material. The flexing of the saw rails produces inaccurate cuts in
the material. The saw rails also lose their rigidity causing the saw to
rock from side to side thereby producing inaccurate cuts. Also, the saw
rails project over the edges of the table making the saw awkward to use.

[0007]Another assembly shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,399 to Olson discloses
a saw table assembly having a first and a second table rails supporting a
pair of saw rails. The saw rails support a saw carriage for cutting a
material. The saw rails are fixed to the table rails to prevent
longitudinal movement of the saw carriage. The saw carriage moves
laterally along the saw rails to cut the material. The saw carriage is
rotateable between a lateral position and a longitudinal position to cut
the material. Since the saw rails are fixed to the table rails, in order
to produce a longitudinal cut, the '399 patent utilizes rollers mounted
on the second table rail such that the material moves longitudinally
while the saw remains fixed. The table assembly can only cut the material
longitudinally and laterally and not diagonally.

[0008]Yet another assembly shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,496 to Payne et
al. discloses a saw table assembly capable of cutting material
diagonally. The saw table assembly includes a first and a second table
rail moveably supporting a pair of saw rails. The saw rails also moveably
support a saw carriage for moving between the table rails to cut the
material laterally. The saw carriage includes a saw plate that is
rotateable for rotating a saw between lateral and longitudinal. The saw
rails connect to the table rails with support plates, which can be
positioned along the table rails for cutting the material diagonally. To
cut the material diagonally, the support plates are positioned at their
respective positions and locked in place. This aligns the saw at the
desired angle with the saw rails being diagonal and the saw is moved
along the saw rails to produce the diagonal cut. However, one
disadvantage of such an assembly is that the support plates must be
aligned each time a different angle cut is desired. After cutting the
first angle, each of the support plates is then moved to another position
to cut a different angle. Also, since the saw is carried by the saw rails
and the saw rails must be long enough to extend along the diagonal, the
saw rails may flex when cutting the material. If the saw rails are made
of a stronger material to prevent flexing, then the saw table assembly
becomes heavier and makes it less portable. Also, the saw rails project
over the edges of the table making the saw awkward to use.

[0009]The related art assemblies are characterized by one or more
inadequacies. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a saw
table assembly that is lightweight, portable, and convenient to use for
precisely and accurately cutting material at various angles.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

[0010]The subject invention provides a portable saw table assembly for
cutting a material longitudinally, laterally, and at various angles
thereto. The assembly includes a first table rail and a second table rail
being parallel and spaced from each other and each extending between a
proximal end and a distal end. A saw rail is moveably supported by the
first and the second table rails and disposed perpendicular to the first
and the second table rails for moving longitudinally along the table
rails between the proximal and the distal ends. The saw rail moveably
supports a mounting plate such that the mounting plate moves laterally
along the saw rail between the first table rail and the second table
rail. A saw plate is rotateably supported by the mounting plate for
carrying a saw to cut the material. The assembly further includes a guide
bar disposed diagonally relative to the first and the second table rails
and engaging the saw plate to guide the saw plate diagonally in response
to simultaneous movement of the saw rail longitudinally and the mounting
plate laterally.

[0011]The subject invention overcomes the inadequacies that characterize
the related art assemblies. Specifically, the subject invention allows
the material to be precisely cut at various angles. Since the saw rails
do not have to extend along a diagonal, the saw rails do not flex thereby
producing a more accurate cut. Also, the assembly is more convenient for
use since the saw rails to extend from the table as does the related art
assemblies. Further, the guide bar is moveable between predetermined
angles, or pitches, to allow for quick and efficient cutting of the
material. The subject invention can also be operated by a single user
because it is lightweight and portable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the
following detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings wherein:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a saw table assembly according to
the subject invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of saw rails extending
between a first and a second table rails having a mounting plate
supported by the saw rails and a saw plate supported by the mounting
plate without a saw mounted to the saw plate;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a saw mounted to the saw plate in a
lateral direction for cutting the material laterally;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the saw mounted to the saw plate in
a longitudinal direction for cutting the materially longitudinally; and

[0017]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the saw table assembly having a
guide bar extending between the first table rail and the second rail for
cutting a material on an angle;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a perspective, close-up view of the guide bar being
supported by the first table rail and an angle rail having a bar locator
therein;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the guide bar supported by the angle
rail and the second table rail;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a connector supported by a saw plate
for engaging the guide bar to guide the saw plate diagonally;

[0021]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a material stop supported by the
first table rail for positioning the material to produce accurate cuts;
and

[0022]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the saw table assembly being folded
into a portable position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023]Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or
corresponding parts throughout the several views, a portable saw table
assembly for cutting a material longitudinally, laterally, and at various
angles thereto is shown generally at 20 in FIG. 1. The saw table assembly
20 is particularly useful for cutting siding materials for buildings,
such as vinyl siding. However, it would be equally useful for cutting
other materials, such as wood. The saw table assembly 20 may be formed of
any type of material capable of supporting the material to be cut, but is
preferably aluminum to allow for easy transportation. Other metals may
also be used so long as the assembly 20 is lightweight and portable.

[0024]The assembly 20 includes a first table rail 22 and a second table
rail 24 being parallel and spaced from each other and each extending
between a proximal end 26 and a distal end 28. The first and the second
table rails 22, 24 are preferably C-shaped to define a channel 30
extending longitudinally along the length of each of the first table rail
22 and the second table rail 24 and also defines a slot 32. A lateral
support 34 extends between the first table rail 22 and the second table
rail 24 forming a table surface 36 for supporting the material to be cut.
As illustrated in the figures, a plurality of lateral supports 34 extend
between the first and the second table rails 22, 24. The table surface 36
may be formed from plywood supported on the lateral supports 34 and
extending from the proximal end 26 to the distal end 28.

[0025]A saw rail 38 is moveably supported by the first and the second
table rails 22, 24 for moving longitudinally along the table rails 22, 24
between the proximal and the distal ends 26, 28. Preferably, a pair of
saw rails 38 extend perpendicularly between the first and the second
table rails 22, 24. The saw rails 38 engage the channel 30 in the first
and the second table rails 22, 24 to slide longitudinally. In order to
slide, the saw rails 38 may include wheels, bearings, or the like 40 for
allowing fluid movement of the saw rails 38 in the channels 30. However,
it is to be appreciated that the saw rails 38 may slide without any
wheels, bearings, or the like 40 by being sized precisely to fit within
the channels 30 to allow movement. The saw rails 38 are therefore able to
slide the entire length of the table assembly 20 from the proximal end 26
to the distal end 28. The saw rails 38 may be removed from the first and
the second table rails 22, 24 at either of the proximal or distal ends
26, 28 by sliding out the saw rails 38 from the channels 30.

[0026]Referring to FIG. 2, each of the saw rails 38 also define a channel
42 for moveably supporting a mounting plate 44 to allow movement of the
mounting plate 44 laterally along the saw rail 38 between the first table
rail 22 and the second table rail 24. Preferably, the mounting plate 44
is slideably received within the channels 42 of the saw rails 38. The
mounting plate 44 is then able to slide the width of the table between
the first table rail 22 and the second table rail 24. The mounting plate
44 may also include wheels, bearings, or the like 46 for sliding within
the rails. The mounting plate 44 is generally rectangular shaped and
extends between the saw rails 38. The mounting plate 44 has an opening
for allowing the saw to extend there through to cut the material.

[0027]A plate clamp 50 extends from the mounting plate 44 for engaging at
least one of the saw rails 38 for fixing the position of the mounting
plate 44 between the first table rail 22 and the second table rail 24.
The plate clamp 50 locks the mounting plate 44 to prevent lateral motion
of the mounting plate 44 while moving the saw rails 38 longitudinally.
When the plate clamp 50 is disengaged, the mounting plate 44 slides
freely within the saw rails 38.

[0028]The subject invention further includes a saw plate 52 rotateably
supported by the mounting plate 44 for carrying a saw to cut the
material, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The saw that is preferably used with
the table assembly 20 is a hand saw having a saw guide as is known in the
art of saws. The saw plate 52 defines an aperture 60 through which a
blade of the saw extends. A plurality of plate locks 62 extend into the
saw plate 52 for securing the saw thereto. The plate locks 62 may include
a lip 63 that engages the saw guide of the saw to provide additional
support for securing the saw to the saw plate 52. To mount the saw to the
saw plate 52, the plate locks 62 are slide open and the saw is positioned
therein. The plate locks 62 are then slide into engagement with the saw
guide to secure the saw to the saw plate 52. The lips 63 of the plate
locks 62 also engage the saw guide. Each of the plate locks 62 may be
locked in the position to prevent the saw from moving.

[0029]The saw plate 52 has a plurality of detents 64 which correspond to a
predetermined angle, or pitch, for cutting the material. The saw plate 52
may rotate on the mounting plate 44 on bearings or the like (not shown).
A latch mechanism 66 is mounted to the mounting plate 44 to secure the
saw plate 52 at the angle and to prevent the saw plate 52 from rotating.
The latch mechanism 66 engages the detent 64 to fix the position of the
saw at the predetermined angle. As shown in FIG. 3, the saw plate 52 is
positioned such that the material is cut at a ninety degree angle with
respect to the first table rail 22 by moving the mounting plate 44
laterally. Whereas in FIG. 4, the saw plate 52 is positioned such that
the material is cut at a one hundred and eight degree angle with respect
to the first table rail 22 by moving the saw rails 38 longitudinally.

[0030]A saw clamp 68 may also be mounted to the saw plate 52 for securing
the saw to the saw plate 52. Once the plate locks 62 have been positioned
to fit the saw, the saw is positioned on the saw plate 52. The saw clamp
68 is then locked into place to secure the saw. The plate locks 62
include the lip 63 engaging the saw guide. The saw clamp 68 and plate
locks 62 allow for efficient removal of the saw from the saw plate 52.
Further, only some of the plate locks 62 may engage the saw guide of the
saw, while the others only position the saw to the saw plate 52.

[0031]Referring to FIG. 5, a guide bar 70 is disposed diagonally relative
to the first and the second table rails 22, 24 and engages the saw plate
52 to guide the saw plate 52 diagonally in response to simultaneous
movement of the saw rail 38 longitudinally and the mounting plate 44
laterally. In one embodiment, the guide bar 70 defines a groove 72 for
engaging the saw plate 52. The angle rail 76 may be conveniently stored
telescopically in one of the longitudinal supports or the rails. The saw
plate 52 includes a connector 74 for engaging the groove 72 of the guide
bar 70 to move the saw plate 52 diagonally. The latch mechanism 66 may
only secure the saw plate 52 in the 180 degree position and the 90 degree
position, while the connector 74 and the guide bar secure the saw in the
angles therebetween.

[0032]When cutting the material at certain angles, or pitches, an angle
rail 76 may be required, as shown in FIGS. 6 & 7. The angle rail 76 is
supported by and extends between the first and the second table rails 22,
24 for supporting the guide bar 70 at various angles. Preferably, the
angle rail 76 also defines a slot 78, for use as described below. When
the guide bar 70 is positioned on only the first and the second table
rails 22, 24, only certain pitches may be achieved. Therefore, by using
the angle rail 76, various other pitches may be obtained.

[0033]In order to position the guide bar 70 diagonally and to prevent the
guide bar 70 from moving while cutting diagonally, a bar locator 80 is
supported by one of the first and the second table rails 22, 24 and
engages the guide bar 70. The bar locator 80 is moveable within the first
and the second table rail 24. Depending upon the desired pitch of the
material, the bar locator 80 slides to position the guide bar 70 at
various angles between a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction.
Preferably, the subject invention incorporates a pair of bar locators 80
engaging each of the first and the second table rails 22, 24. Utilizing
more than one bar locator 80 provides more accurate cuts; however, the
subject invention may use none, one, or more than two. For pitches
between 4/12 and 12/12, one bar locator 80 is positioned on the first
table rail 22 and the other is on the second table rail 24. For pitches
less than 4/12, one of the bar locators 80 engages one of the first and
the second table rails 22, 24 and the other of the bar locators 80
engages the angle rail 76. Alternately, the subject invention may include
a third bar locator 81 engaging the angle rail 76 such that the guide bar
70 engages one of the pair of bar locators 80 and the third bar locator
81, without having to remove one from the first or the second table rails
22, 24. It is to be understood that these pitches may be varied by
modifying the size or shape of the table without deviating from the
subject invention.

[0034]Each of the bar locators 80, 81 may include posts 82 extending
upwardly from the bar locators 80, 81 for engaging and positioning the
guide bar 70 at various angles. A locking mechanism 84 engages each of
the bar locators 80, 81 for locking the bar locators 80, 81 in the slots
32, 78 of the first and the second table rail 24 and the angle rail 76,
respectively. In order to precisely and quickly change the position of
the bar locators 80, 81, angle indicators 83 are present on at least one
of the first and the second table rails 22, 24, the saw rail 32, and the
angle rail 76. The bar locators 80, 81 are moved to the desired angle
indicators 83 and locked into place by the locking mechanism 84. The
guide bar 70 pivots about the posts 82 to change the angle of the cut in
the material. The guide bar 70, when not being used, may be conveniently
stored telescopically in one of the rails or longitudinal supports.

[0035]The connector 74, shown in FIG. 8, may be supported on the saw plate
52 for being received in the groove 72 of the guide bar 70 to guide the
saw as it moves along the guide bar 70. After the guide bar 70 has been
positioned, the connector 74 is connected to the guide bar 70. As the
mounting plate 44 is moved laterally and the saw rails 38 are moved
longitudinally, the connector 74 follows along the guide bar 70 to
achieve the desired pitch in the material. Since the saw is being carried
by the mounting plate 44, the first and the second table rails 22, 24,
and guided by the guide bar 70, there is little or no flexing of the saw
rails 38 to produce inaccurate cuts.

[0036]In operation, the user positions one bar locator 80, 81 and then the
other bar locator 80, 81 in the respective slots 32, 78, as described
above, and locks the locking mechanism 84 so that the bar locators 80, 81
do not move. Next, one end of the guide bar 70 is mounted onto one of the
bar locators 80, 81 such that the post 82 engages the guide bar 70. The
other end of the guide bar 70 is then moved into engagement with the
other bar locator 80, 81 such that the post 82 engages the guide bar 70.
The guide bar 70 may engage the bar locators 80, 81 by other means other
than the posts 82 described, such as clamps or screws, without deviating
from the subject invention.

[0037]Referring to FIG. 9, after the guide bar 70 is positioned, the saw
plate 52 is rotated so that the connector 74 contacts the groove 72 of
the guide bar 70. In order to follow the angle of the guide bar 70, the
mounting plate 44 and the saw rails 38 simultaneously slide in their
respective channels 30, 42 to form the angled cut.

[0038]A measuring rod 86 may be supported on the first and the second
table rails 22, 24 and extends between the proximal and distal ends 26,
28. A material stop 88 may be slideably carried on the measuring rod 86
such that the material stop 88 is moved along the measuring rod 86 to
allow the material to be cut having a predetermined length that is
indicated on the measuring rod 86 itself. The material stop 88 may be
locked to the measuring rod 86 to prevent further movement when cutting
the material. The material stop 88 can be rotated between a stopping
position and a free position. In the stopping position, the material stop
88 engages the material and prevents the material from moving
longitudinally along the cutting surface. The material stop 88 is then
rotated upwardly away from the table surface 36 to the free position that
allows the material to move along the entire length. The rotating of the
material stop 88 may be accomplished by rotating about the measuring rod
86 or by rotating the measuring rod 86. The subject invention may also
include material clamps 90 for securing the material to the table surface
36 as is known in the art of clamps.

[0039]As illustrated in FIG. 10, the subject invention also provides the
saw table assembly 20 being portable and convenient for use by a single
user. In order to be portable, the first table rail 22 and the second
table rail 24 are pivotable relative to one another such that the table
assembly 20 is foldable. A pair of central rails 92 having proximal and
distal ends 94, 96 extend parallel to and spaced from the first and the
second table rails 22, 24. The pair of central rails 92 engage the
lateral supports 34 to form the table surface 36. A hinge mechanism 98
connects the lateral supports 34 to the central rails 92 for allowing the
first and the second table rails 22, 24 to pivot about the central rails
92. The lateral supports 34 preferably extend between the central rails
92 and between the central rails 92 and the first and the second table
rails 22, 24 to form the table surface 36.

[0040]In order to fold the first and the second table rails 22, 24, the
saw rails 38 are removed from the first and the second table rails 22,
24. The saw rails 38 can then be locked into the folded table and used as
a handle. A pair of wheels 100 engages the central rails 92 for moving
the table assembly 20 when the first and the second table rails 22, 24
are pivoted about the central rails 92. When the table is unfolded, the
wheels 100 are below the cutting surface and are out of the way of the
cutting operation. The table assembly 20 may also include a base (not
shown) and foldable legs (not shown) for supporting the saw table
assembly 20.

[0041]Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may
be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of
the appended claims.